Design Manager

About the Role:

Innovative is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our Design department and help shape the future of our luxury remodeling projects. This is a high-impact leadership role for an architectural design professional who combines a sharp creative eye with strong business acumen; someone who can manage people, process, and the P&L with equal confidence.

As Design Manager, you'll oversee our multi-phase design process from concept through permitting, lead and develop a team of talented architectural designers, and serve as a key voice on our Leadership Team. You'll also stay hands-on, designing 1–2 projects of your own each year, while guiding the department's overall success.

If you're a proven design leader who thrives on building great teams, refining systems, and delivering exceptional client experiences, we'd love to talk.

What You'll Do:

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and hold the design team accountable to high standards of performance and quality
• Onboard and offboard team members, and manage individual goals and development ("Rocks & Goals")
• Conduct regular performance reviews and support career growth
• Oversee the Logistical Coordinator and ensure smooth team operations

Department & Financial Management

• Own the financial success and profitability of the design department
• Manage team workload and capacity through the pipeline schedule
• Build, refine, and maintain systems and processes that keep the department running efficiently
• Track and report monthly performance metrics
• Prepare and lead weekly departmental and cross-departmental meetings

Design & Project Oversight

• Support the team by resolving complex design challenges
• Oversee plan development and the permitting process
• Maintain a working understanding of every project's lifecycle, from signed Design Agreement through completion
• Ensure a strong grasp of applicable building codes
• Design 1–2 projects personally each year while managing the broader team

Relationships & Communication

• Champion open, transparent communication across all departments at Innovative
• Build and strengthen relationships with vendors and trade partners to improve collaboration
• Communicate confidently and persuasively with clients, resolving concerns with professionalism
• Stay current on industry trends, materials, and design techniques
• Serve as an active member of Innovative's Leadership Team

What You Bring:

• 7+ years of experience as a Lead Architectural Designer, including proven experience leading a team
• Demonstrated success managing the processes, culture, and financial performance of a department
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, Chief Architect, SketchUp, Canva, Bluebeam, Google Suite, and Buildertrend
• Solid understanding of building codes and the remodeling/construction process
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• A four-year degree
• NKBA and/or NCIDQ certification preferred; willingness to obtain NCIDQ required
  

Compensation Package:

Salary commensurate with experience

• Health Insurance
• Simple IRA
• Amazing PTO policy
• Company bonus based on net profit

About Innovative Design Build:

Innovative Design Build is Atlanta's best-reviewed luxury residential design build firm, and a company that puts its core values at the forefront. More than just the numbers, Innovative Design Build focuses on offering both customers and team members an experience that leaves a lasting impression. From communication with customers to consideration for our staff, Innovative Design Build has shown over the past 20 years that building a great company starts not with the product, but with the people.

Our Core Values: Quality, Trustworthy, Organized, Communication, Consideration, and Growth

How to Apply

• Complete the online application, submit a resume, cover letter, portfolio (Applicant's that do not submit a portfolio will not be considered) and at least 1 set of construction drawings saved as a pdf

Innovative Design Build provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Innovative Design Build complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in its office. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We are an E-verify company, and all employment is contingent upon passing a clean drug test.